Police appeal for footage of illegal car racing events

Essex Police is calling on local residents to submit footage of illegal car racing events to help them identify offenders.

Essex Police says officers across the county are working to deal effectively with antisocial and nuisance events which are causing concern in communities.

The Force adds that it is not setting out to prevent dedicated car enthusiasts from gathering in an organised and law-abiding way, but to deter and stop dangerous and antisocial racing which can lead to people being injured or killed.

In recent weeks illegal racing meets, organised via social media, have taken place in Canvey Island and Basildon.

Sgt Will Willsher from the Chigwell roads policing unit, said:

“Essex Police’s stance on cruisers and car enthusiasts is clear and unchanged. Those who gather in appropriate places with the land owner’s consent to socialise and admire each others cars are free to do so if they show respect and consideration to the local community.

“Those who choose to act antisocially and drive in a manner which puts others at risk will be identified and we will use a variety of powers available to us to encourage them to change their behaviour.

“We took positive action following an event on Canvey on 12 August. A total of 56 drivers were issued with warning letters, five were summonsed to court for driving offences and two vehicles were seized.”

Sgt Willsher added:

“Many people hold the view that because these people are using industrial estates and out of town supermarkets they aren’t hurting anyone. However it can, and does, go very wrong resulting in multiple serious injuries as seen in numerous locations across the country.

“It is only a certain amount of time until someone receives a life changing or even fatal injury in Essex and this is why we will never stop targeting such drivers in our county.”

Anyone who has any information about these illegal events, or who has any footage they would like to submit, should contact Sgt Willsher at Chigwell roads policing unit via email.